Gilera Nexus 500 (2003–2015): The Maxi-Scooter That Thinks It’s a Motorcycle
Introduction
The Gilera Nexus 500 isn’t just a scooter—it’s a declaration of independence from the mundane. Produced from 2003 to 2015, this Italian maxi-scooter blurred the lines between urban practicality and sporty exhilaration. With its aggressive styling, liquid-cooled 460cc engine, and chassis borrowed from the motorcycle playbook, the Nexus 500 challenged perceptions of what a scooter could be. Having spent a week with a well-maintained 2009 model, I can confirm: this is a machine that rewards riders who crave speed, comfort, and a dash of rebellion. Let’s dissect why the Nexus 500 remains a cult favorite among maxi-scooter enthusiasts.
Design: Aggression Meets Functionality
Gilera didn’t hold back with the Nexus 500’s design. From its sharp, twin-headlight front fascia to the sculpted side panels and upswept exhaust, this scooter screams “sport bike” in a way few others dare. The aerodynamic bodywork isn’t just for show—wind tunnel testing ensured minimal drag, while the adjustable windshield (tiltable to three positions) offers customizable wind protection. At 2,090 mm (82.3 inches) long and 765 mm (30.1 inches) wide, it’s bulkier than a Vespa but sleeker than most maxi-scooters.
The underseat storage is a highlight, swallowing a full-face helmet and leaving room for gloves or a small backpack. Practical touches like a built-in 12V socket and LED lighting inside the storage compartment show Gilera’s attention to daily usability. Color options like Rosso Dragon (Dragon Red) and Giallo Light Speed (a metallic yellow) emphasize its sporty DNA.
Engine and Performance: Small Block, Big Attitude
At the heart of the Nexus 500 lies a 460cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, pumping out 40.1 HP at 7,500 RPM and 43 Nm (31.7 lb-ft) of torque at 5,500 RPM. Those numbers might not shock sport bike riders, but for a scooter, they’re transformative. The fuel-injected powerplant (Magneti Marelli IAV system) delivers smooth acceleration, though it demands a heavy wrist to wake up.
Twist the throttle aggressively, and the Nexus surges forward with a satisfying growl, hitting 0–60 km/h (0–37 mph) in under 5 seconds. Top speed sits at 160 km/h (100 mph), making freeway commutes stress-free. The belt-driven CVT transmission eliminates gear shifts, but don’t expect the lethargic response of smaller scooters—this engine loves to rev.
Fuel efficiency averages 17.8 km/l (42 mpg), translating to a 330 km (205 mi) range from its 15-liter (3.9-gallon) tank. Not bad for a machine that weighs 216 kg (476 lbs) wet.
Handling and Comfort: Sporty, But Not Spartan
The Nexus 500’s chassis is where Gilera’s motorcycle heritage shines. The double-cradle steel trellis frame pairs with a 41mm Kayaba telescopic fork up front and a Progressive POWER DRIVE rear suspension (76 mm / 3 inches of travel). This setup strikes a rare balance—firm enough for spirited cornering, plush enough for potholed city streets.
Lean into a bend, and the 120/70-15 front and 160/60-14 Pirelli Diablo tires grip with confidence. The floorboard-mounted pegs allow moderate lean angles, though hardcore riders might scrape them on tight turns. Braking is equally impressive: dual 260mm front discs with Brembo calipers and a single 240mm rear disc provide strong, fade-resistant stops.
Comfort is king on long rides. The seat—780 mm (30.7 inches) tall—is wide and supportive, even for two-up riding. Tall riders (I’m 183 cm / 6’0”) will appreciate the legroom, though the handlebars can feel cramped at full lock.
Technology and Features: Ahead of Its Time
For a mid-2000s scooter, the Nexus 500’s tech suite is impressive. The analog-digital dash includes a tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, and a trip computer displaying real-time fuel economy, average speed, and maintenance reminders. The anti-theft system (developed with Gemini) integrates a remote key fob—a rarity in its class.
Heated grips weren’t standard, but Gilera offered a clever solution: adjustable vents on the tunnel duct warm air toward the rider’s legs. Add the optional leg cover, and winter commutes become bearable.
Competition: How the Nexus Stacks Up
The maxi-scooter segment has always been competitive. Here’s how the Gilera Nexus 500 fared against its rivals:
- Yamaha TMAX: The TMAX prioritized refinement, with a smoother twin-cylinder engine and better wind protection. However, the Nexus countered with sharper handling and a lower price.
- Honda Silver Wing 600: Honda’s 582cc twin offered more power (54 HP) and a plusher ride but weighed 238 kg (525 lbs). The Nexus felt nimbler in traffic.
- Suzuki Burgman 650: The Burgman’s executive-style comforts (ABS, electric screen) appealed to tourers, but the Nexus’ sporty design and Brembo brakes won over thrill-seekers.
The Nexus 500 carved a niche as the “sport bike of scooters”—less polished than its Japanese rivals but more engaging.
Maintenance: Keeping the Italian Spirit Alive
Owning a Nexus 500 isn’t labor-intensive, but attention to a few key areas ensures longevity:
- Belt and Rollers: The CVT belt should be replaced every 12,000–15,000 km (7,500–9,300 mi). Upgrading to a reinforced aftermarket belt (available at MOTOPARTS.store) enhances durability.
- Oil Changes: Use SAE 10W-40 semi-synthetic oil every 5,000 km (3,100 mi). The wet sump system holds 1.5 liters (1.6 quarts).
- Cooling System: Flush the liquid coolant every 2 years or 24,000 km (15,000 mi). Gilera specifies a 50/50 water-antifreeze mix.
- Brakes: Swap pads every 10,000 km (6,200 mi). Consider sintered pads for aggressive riding.
- Suspension: The rear shock’s preload adjuster lets you tailor stiffness for solo vs. two-up riding.
Common upgrades include aftermarket exhausts (for a throatier sound) and LED lighting kits for better visibility.
Conclusion: The Scooter That Refused to Compromise
The Gilera Nexus 500 wasn’t perfect—its weight and thirst for revs won’t endear it to eco-conscious commuters. But for riders seeking a scooter that thrills as much as it transports, it’s a masterpiece. Few machines blend urban practicality with open-road charisma so effortlessly.
Whether you’re filtering through traffic or chasing sunset curves, the Nexus 500 delivers a grin-inducing ride. And with MOTOPARTS.store’s extensive catalog of upgrades and OEM replacements, keeping this Italian legend on the road has never been easier.
Ciao for now, and keep twisting that throttle.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Clutch: | Automatic dry centrifugal type |
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Ignition: | Electronic inductive discharge |
| Max power: | 29 kW | 39.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 43 Nm |
| Fuel system: | Magneti Marelli IAV Electronic injection |
| Max power @: | 7500 rpm |
| Displacement: | 460 ccm |
| Max torque @: | 5500 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 92 x 69 mm (3.6 x 2.7 in) |
| Configuration: | Single |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1515 mm (59.6 in) |
| Dry weight: | 101 |
| Wet weight: | 216 |
| Seat height: | 765 mm (30.1 in) |
| Overall width: | 765 mm (30.1 in) |
| Overall length: | 2090 mm (82.3 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 15 L (3.9 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Final drive: | belt |
| Transmission: | Automatic CVT (Twist and Go) |
| Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Rear tire: | 160/60-14 |
| Engine oil: | 10W40 |
| Front tire: | 120/70-15 |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK CR7EKB |
| Engine oil capacity: | 1.5 |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Frame: | Double cradle trellis (high-strength steel tubes) |
| Rear tire: | 160/60-14 |
| Front tire: | 120/70-15 |
| Rear brakes: | Single 240 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Front brakes: | 2x 260 mm discs, Brembo 2-piston calipers |
| Rear suspension: | Progressive POWER DRIVE, Kayaba gas shock absorber with spring preload |
| Front suspension: | 41mm Kayaba telehydraulic fork |
| Rear wheel travel: | 76 mm (3.0 in) |
| Front wheel travel: | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
